“10+ distinct natural communities”
This park has more than 10 distinct natural communities, dozens of springs and miles of trails. Visitors can canoe down the crystal clear river, hike or bike along one of the nature trails, or just sit and watch for the wide variety of birds and wildlife. The picnic area features three pavilions with grills that may be rented for group outings and a playground for the youngsters. For overnight stays, the park has a full facility campground and 10 luxury cabins. There is also a primitive campground for use by organized groups (scouts, church groups, etc.) The park is home to a pioneer cracker village and the Silver River Museum and Environmental Education Center. The center is operated by the Marion County School District in cooperation with the park and is open to the public on weekends and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00. p.m. Admission to the Museum is $2.00 per person. Children under 6 are free.
Reviews
Took a walk on the trails - very well marked and well maintained. Very interpretive as well. Campsites are spacious and clean. 80-90 foot tall pines surrounding us. Recommend to anyone who loves the outdoors.
Had the best time!!! Rented a canoe and took the glass bottom boat ride. Both are a must! Worth the trip.
Friendly rangers, spacious camp spots, things to do in the park. Win, win!
Beautiful campground with extremely large sites.
No swimming allowed as the whole area is a nature preserve. However, kayaking or paddle boarding puts you in the middle of it all and you see tons of wildlife up close. Turtles, Manatees (in season), birds, and even Alligators.
Guided tours are fun and the area is huge. You can easily paddle around for 2 plus hours.
If you only do one thing in Ocala, it should be making a visit to Silver Springs State Park! This park in Marion County is really important to Florida’s history, as it was the Sunshine State’s very first tourist attraction, established in the 1870s.
Silver Springs is the oldest artesian springs in the world, draining into the Silver River. There is so much to do here on the water, but the best is going on a glass bottom boat tour! You can also enjoy checking out one of the many gorgeous hiking trails, kayaking, camping, visiting the museum, and more!
If you love the outdoors, you’ll love Silver Springs State Park. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Ocala.
Love the park, super clean! Pet friendly with a tons of shade and picnic areas. Also there is wild monkeys!!!!! We saw a male & female with a baby monkey super adorable!!!
We enjoyed the boat tour a lot. Good captain who made sure everyone could see each point of interest. It's annoying to pay $8 to enter the park and then pay to ride the boats if you're not staying to do other things at the park. That being said, the springs are beautiful and soo clear.
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Silver Springs State Park
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
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Outdoor Seating
Parking, Dining
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